Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! As someone who’s been following Louisiana’s shrimping seasons for years, I’m super excited to share everything you need to know about the 2025 shrimp season Whether you’re a professional shrimper or just love cooking up these delicious crustaceans, this guide’s got you covered!
When Does Shrimp Season Open in Louisiana?
The big news is that the 2025 fall inshore shrimp season is opening on August 11th! Here’s the detailed breakdown of opening times by area:
- Eastern Zone (Mississippi/Louisiana state line to South Pass): Opens 6 a.m., August 11
- Central Zone (South Pass to Atchafalaya River Ship Channel): Opens 6 p.m., August 11
- Western Zone (Atchafalaya River to Louisiana/Texas line): Opens 6 a.m., August 11
General Season Schedule
Louisiana’s shrimp seasons typically follow this pattern
Inside Waters
- Spring/Brown Shrimp Season: May through July
- Fall/White Shrimp Season: Mid-August through mid-December (some areas stay open into January)
Outside Waters
- Open: Most of the year
- Closed: Mid/late December to April/May (to protect small white shrimp)
Federal Waters
- Open: Year-round
Important Rules You Gotta Follow
Listen up, y’all! Here are some regulations you can’t ignore:
Tow Time Requirements
- Vessels under 40 feet with skimmer nets must follow federal TED guidelines
- April 1 – October 31: Maximum 55-minute tow times
- November 1 – March 31: Maximum 75-minute tow times
White Shrimp Size Regulations
- Regular season: No more than 100 whole shrimp per pound
- Exception period: October 15 through third Monday in December (size restrictions relaxed)
How Do They Decide When to Open the Season?
I find it fascinating how LDWF figures this out! They
- Send biologists to monitor shrimp populations
- Check hundreds of sample locations
- Measure water conditions (temperature, salinity, etc.)
- Use math models to predict when shrimp will reach market size
Pro Tips for Shrimpers
Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:
-
Stay Informed
- Keep an eye on LDWF announcements
- Season dates can change with 72-hour notice
- Check weather conditions before heading out
-
Equipment Check
- Make sure your nets meet regulations
- Keep your licenses current
- Have all required safety gear on board
-
Best Practices
- Follow tow time restrictions carefully
- Monitor your catch sizes
- Keep detailed records of your catches
Need More Info?
If you’re scratching your head about anything, you can:
- Contact Peyton Cagle at (337) 491-2213
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit the LDWF shrimp season webpage
The Bottom Line
The 2025 shrimp season in Louisiana is looking promising! Whether you’re in it for business or pleasure, marking August 11th on your calendar is a must. We’re super lucky to have such amazing seafood resources in our state, and with proper management, we’ll keep it that way for generations to come!
Remember to stay safe out there, follow the rules, and happy shrimping! If you’ve got any questions, drop ’em in the comments below – I’m always happy to help fellow shrimp enthusiasts!
Would you like me to explain any specific part in more detail? I’ve been following Louisiana shrimp seasons for years and love sharing what I know!
Size and Possession Limits
- No size limit on any saltwater shrimp taken during the spring open season in Louisiana.
- No size limit on brown shrimp or seabobs taken during any open season.
There is a minimum possession of 100 count (whole shrimp per pound) on white shrimp taken in either inside or outside (offshore) waters of Louisiana. This size restriction applies to the taking or possession of such shrimp aboard a vessel.
EXCEPTION: There is no possession count on white shrimp taken or possessed from Oct. 15 through the third Monday in December. When more than 50 percent by weight of the shrimp taken or possessed is seabobs or brown shrimp, the maximum allowable amount of undersized white shrimp taken or possessed shall not exceed 10 percent by weight of the total shrimp taken or possessed.
Cast Nets, Dip Nets and Bait Seines
A recreational fisher is allowed to use dip nets, bait seines, and cast nets not to exceed 8.5 feet in radius. Recreational fishers shall not take at any time more than 50 pounds of shrimp per day during closed shrimp season and 100 pounds of shrimp per day during the open season, in the aggregate, per boat or vehicle, regardless of the number of persons thereon. Shrimp taken are to be used for bait or for the fisherâs own consumption and are not sold, traded or otherwise permitted to enter into commerce. Certain WMAs and state or federal refuges may have different rules. Always check with an LDWF Enforcement Office if you have questions.
White Shrimp Season Opens in Louisiana
FAQ
Are shrimp in season in Louisiana?
Shrimp Season in Louisiana
Brown shrimp are readily available May through July, and white shrimp are available August through December. Check the label when you purchase shrimp to ensure you are getting Louisiana-caught or domestic shrimp, which are tested to ensure the quality and safety of the shrimp.
What is the season for Gulf shrimp?
Gulf shrimp are in season year-round, with peak season being May – September. A shrimp’s heart is located in its head! Ounce for ounce, shrimp have fewer calories than chicken, beef or pork.
What is the recreational limit for shrimp in Louisiana?
A recreational fisherman shall, at any time, take no more than fifty pounds of saltwater shrimp during closed season nor shall he take more than one hundred pounds of saltwater shrimp during open season, in the aggregate, per day, for each boat or land vehicle, regardless of the number of persons thereon, provided that …
Where can you catch shrimp in Louisiana?
The line generally follows the coastline from the Louisiana/Texas state line to the Louisiana/Mississippi state line. Waters landward of the shrimp line are inside waters; waters seaward of the shrimp line out to the three mile line are outside waters.
When does the shrimp season start in Louisiana?
The opening date of the Louisiana inshore waters spring shrimp season is May 24, 2021, at 6 a.m. All Louisiana inshore waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the Louisiana/Texas state line will open then.
How does the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Commission determine shrimp seasons?
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission sets shrimp seasons for Louisiana’s state waters by area according to LDWF’s recommendations based on environmental conditions and the growth rates, distribution, and abundance of shrimp. They also consider input from the Shrimp Task Force and other stakeholders.
When does inshore shrimp season open in Mississippi?
The Commission action sets the opening date of the spring inshore shrimp season as follows: That portion of state inside waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the eastern shore of South Pass of the Mississippi River to open at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025.
When is shrimp season?
The spring/brown shrimp season generally runs May to July. The fall/white shrimp season is generally open mid-August to mid-December; some waters stay open into January. Outside waters: year-round, except from mid or late December to April or May in certain areas to protect small white shrimp and allow them to grow to market size.
How do LDWF biologists determine shrimp seasons?
LDWF biologists and managers recommend shrimp seasons based on a shrimp species’ annual life cycles and growth rates, which are heavily influenced by environmental conditions. LDWF biologists continually monitor shrimp populations and environmental conditions in Louisiana’s marshes, coastal lakes, and bays.
Can I harvest shrimp during open season?
Licensed fishermen may only harvest shrimp during open shrimp seasons (unless permitted to harvest live bait under a Special Bait Dealer’s Permit).